I can ignore the entire ranking system as I am #1. Cannot fall nor climb - the curse of being 1 of 1..
gillumhouse said:
I can ignore the entire ranking system as I am #1. Cannot fall nor climb - the curse of being 1 of 1.
Imagine the stress of being #1 in a two-inn market.
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PhineasSwann said:
gillumhouse said:
I can ignore the entire ranking system as I am #1. Cannot fall nor climb - the curse of being 1 of 1.
Imagine the stress of being #1 in a two-inn market.
Really? Is it stressful? or are you being facetious. I ask as I think that is great.
I always ponder this thought:
If you are running a race, say NASCAR stock-car or even a foot-race, is it more stressful to be # 2 to try to keep up or to be #1 and try to stay ahead? Is it harder to see someone gaining on you and it helps propel you to stay ahead or to be chewing at someone's bumper?
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It is difficult to carry off #1 because peoples' expectations may be unreachable. I have only anecdotal evidence, but it sure bit us in the butt.
We've had mostly very good reviews except for one who tried us because we were #1 and was disappointed not to get what he expected.
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people's expectations are a nightmare - you have absolutely no control of them up or down - its like we had a review saying we wern't a luxuary boutique B&B - no where every have we ever even implied we are - comfortable and home from home is our level
We have extensive descriptions and photo's of the same - but we do have very nice guests who give us glowing reviews and it pumps up expectations - its a can't win situation!
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Jcam said:
people's expectations are a nightmare - you have absolutely no control of them up or down - its like we had a review saying we wern't a luxuary boutique B&B - no where every have we ever even implied we are - comfortable and home from home is our level
We have extensive descriptions and photo's of the same - but we do have very nice guests who give us glowing reviews and it pumps up expectations - its a can't win situation!
This one in particular, was unhappy not to have gotten a plated, served, gourmet breakfast. Not sure what part of "continental breakfast' he didn't understand.
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I will always aim to be #1 because that's my personality and if I have that goal set for everyday I wake up then even if I only attain 95% of that today, I'm doing good. If someone isn't happy with their stay, so be it. But to the rest of the public, there are many who do want to stay at a place that is rated #1. But as someone recently said at town meeting, you can't fix stupid and no matter what we do with a parking lot we're planning there will be idiots who can't follow the plan. Same with guests and reviews -- had a guest who stated that he was expecting a gastronomically delightful experience and was let down. Who the hell even speaks like that? No one normal and no one I'd sit and enjoy a drink with. Probably the guy at a party that everyone rolls their eyes at and walks away. Yet in another review he raved about the innkeepers piles of bacon and hash browns. No way I was going to make this guy happy unless I had a James Beard award winning chef making him his breakfast and that's not me. I make yummy breakfasts, I'm not going for gourmet. And no where does my website say gourmet. So there was no fixing this guy's image he had created himself before he arrived and therefore was let down. But over 500 other reviews give us 5 stars and rave about breakfast so he's just one of those guests who I'm happy I'll never open the door to again. But I'm not letting up and aiming high. And when I sell this place in the coming years it will be worth more because of my drive and work and then I'll be reaping the benefits at the beach.
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I aim to make my real guests ie the ones for which we are a good fit happy - the ultra weirdo's there is no making happy and I am fully capable of ignoring their comments.
Also - people on juice diet came yesterday ie you do juice stuff instead of at least 1 meal to lose weight - asked to store pre made juice - so I assumed no breakfast - nope had juice stuff, breakfast and tea and coffee - to me defeats the purpose of the diet but there we are.
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Woman arrived day before Easter for two days. She was alone, no car and just a backpack.
I was explaining breakfast and she asked what I would be serving. Now I had been planning my Easter breakfast for weeks. I generally plan my entre to be vegetarian so I don't have to worry about it, but for Easter, I had bought ham to make ham and asparagus quiche.
I looked at her and held my breath and said, "Ham and asparagus quiche." She said, "Does it have flour? Because I'm G-F." I nearly hugged her 'cuz I had her pegged for a vegan. LOL
She simply avoided the pancakes and had a lovely breakfast. Meat and all!
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